What is Computer Software?

Hardware vs Software

Got to have both to get the job done!

How does Software Work?

Computer Algorithms Step by step

directions telling computer what to do

Software development First programmer –

Grace Hooper – created FLOW MATIC (later known as – COBOL) Programming language

that was close to English

Applications Software

Programs designed to make users more productive

Assist with personal tasks Word PowerPoint Media Player

Variety of uses: Business Graphics and

Multimedia Home/Personal/

Educational Communications

Systems Software

Interface between the user, the application software, and the computer’s hardwareExamples:

Operating systemsUtilities (diagnostics, servers)Language translators

Operating Systems

Helps user communicate with computerUses a desktop to provide on-screen

work area (graphical user interface)WindowsLinuxMac-OSDOSNetworking Operating System

Two or more computers to be connected

Utility Software

Helps perform housekeeping choresTasks include:

Antivirus programsCopy file from hard drive to another locationConvert graphics file to be used in another

programBackup copy of hard drive (image, ghost)CD/DVD Burning

Language Translators

Convert English code, to computer instructions

Helps computer process data

I don’t understand! I

need a translator.

User Interfaces

What you see, touch, clickPart we interact with when using the

computer“User friendly”Command-line interface such as DOS

(not used frequently)Graphical interfaces such as Windows

Command Line

Early computers used only thisHave to memorize codesNot very user friendlyNot colorful – usually written in black and

whiteNo pictures

DOS

Command line operating system

Memorize commands

Graphical User interfaces

Came about with menusGraphical user interface (GUI) Apple’s development of Macintosh

FinderPictures (icons) represent softwareColorfulReason for explosion of computer use

(after DOS scared people)

Vista Operating System

Project

Software Project